Neptunium nitride

Neptunium nitride is a binary inorganic compound of neptunium and nitrogen with the chemical formula NpN.

Preparation
Neptunium nitride can be prepared by the reaction of freshly obtained neptunium hydride and ammonia:
 * NpH3 + NH3 -> NpN + 3H2

The reaction of neptunium and nitrogen can also obtain neptunium nitride:
 * Np + N2 -> 2NpN

Physical properties
Neptunium nitride forms black crystals in the cubic system with Fm3m space group. It is insoluble in water and decomposes if heated.
 * 2NpN -> 2Np + N2

Uses
Neptunium nitride is used as a target material for plutonium-238 production.
 * + neutron →